Not sure what to do...

[sparknote_s]

I was at my civilian eye doctor today. On the eye chart, I could only make out the 20/200 line by guessing it was an H seeing something resembling to vertical lines. On the 20/100 line, I sort of made an educated guess and got one letter correct.

It seems as though I am not qualified. If I squinted, I could probably make out the 20/100 line and maybe 20/70 if I was lucky. With my glasses on, I definitely am 20/20 though.

1) At MEPS, are they very strict on the eye test? If they know I am shooting for the SEAL requirements, are they in any way generous? (Ex: "Umm...I think an 'H' " (while squinting) )

2) If I cannot pass the SEAL eye requirements, what are my options? Go into the navy and wait x years for laser surgery? I'm 18 anyhow, and I think they want you to be a little older for eye surgery anyways.

2a) If I were to do that, would it be harder to get into BUD/S since I wouldn't have the SEAL Challenge Contract?

2b) Or would it be better to wait a couple years as a civilian, get civilian eye surgery, and hope the SEAL Challenge is still available?

Any advice?

[eaosmh]

Well the best advice I can give to you is to keep your integrity when getting your vision checked, you don't want to lie about it and pass (unlikely), end up on a SEAL team and shooting one of your men because you "lied" on a vision test.

I actually JUST got off the phone with my recruiter and I talked to him about getting surgery through the Navy. He said that most of the people that he has recruited waited around 5 months before getting the surgery, the most was a year.

He also said that your best bet is to let the Navy do it for you, however IF you are centered on getting it done before shipping, join DEP first, check with the MEPS doctors about what will and what won't disqualify, double and triple check yourself, and go through with it.

Going back to what I first said as a closing remark... I would not want a team member to be less than perfect at doing his job, SEALs rely on their team members to be able to do what they are supposed to, and if I got a guy who can't see straight, then I would not want him on a mission with me. If I end up not making a SEAL team, of course i'd feel regret, however I will know that it was best I did not make it if I was clearly not up to par.

[sparknote_s]

If I understand correctly, you must wait a year before joining if you get surgery from a civilian.

[KDK273]

eao. Your recruiter clearly wants you to enlist and is telling you what you want to hear. You think he gives a **** about how long it takes the Navy to fix your eyes. I had been 18 for three months before I got my surgery done last October. I have heard of waiting 3 to 6 months, even up to a year before you can go to MEPS, so you'll have to check on that. I do know for a fact, however, that you can't attend BUD/S until at least 1 year from the date of your surgery. I have talked to a **** load of people about this, not just a recruiter, and it became obvious that if I was joining the Navy specifically for the SEALs, I'd have been a fool to not have the surgery done before enlisting.

[sparknote_s]

KDK, I am interested in what you have to say. I just turned 18. Most people I know say that you must wait until you are 21 to get eye surgery.

Where did you get your surgery done?

What kind of surgery? (PRK or LASIK)

What was your vision before, and what is it now?

Can you still enlist in the navy right after having eye surgery? The wait period is just on MEPS, or on BUD/S?

Why was it better to get surgery from a civilian prior to enlisting?

[KDK273]

1) Midwest Eye Center. Cincinnati, OH.

2) PRK

3) I believe it was 20/400 in both eyes. It is now 20/15 in both eyes.

4) No, you must wait for the surgeon to sign a final release form, and X amount of time before MEPS, and at least 1 year before attending BUD/S

5) Simple, I want to get to BUD/S as soon as possible. Having it done before enlisting is the fastest way to go.

Just a side note. Most people do have to wait until their 20's to have the surgery done. You must have a stable prescription for a certain amount of time before you will be eligible. There are other variables you will need to consult a specialist on....

[Courtenay]

I do know that the prescription has to be stable for at least one year. Most surgeons require that you be 21.

[KDK273]

sparknote, you stated in another post that you are on your second prescription in as many years. If you just went to the eye doctor and your vision has fluctuated from your last visit, as much as I'm sure it sucks to hear. You will need to wait another year to see if your vision stabliizes. Even then, you can't say for sure what could happen. You may want to explore other options, but don't give up if you really want to be a SEAL. Eyesight can be a big problem and is the most common disqualifier for BUD/S applicants. However, if you really want it. Just ride it out and see what happens.....

[sparknote_s]

In January of 2004, I had an eye exam which said 20/300 and 20/400. It was exactly the same when I went yesterday. Is a year of stability long enough?

[dknightx]

it depends on the eye surgeon you go to. You will have to ask a doctor/surgeon about your INDIVIDUAL case. Some strangers on the internet with no medical degree aren't going to be able to answer your question correctly or with 100% certainty. Go see a doctor and get a PROFESSIONAL opinion. The answer they give you may not be what you want to hear, but it is what youll have to deal with.

[clearpawn]

I'll throw in my 2 cents, I had eye surgery about a year ago, and 3 months after I had the surgery I was leaving for boot camp. I had PRK done by a civilian doc. From what I've heard, it varies from MEPs to MEPs as to the time, but just when you go get it done, get the doc to make a copy of your whole chart when you're getting ready to goto MEPs. But my vision went from 20/200 in both eyes to 20/15 in both eyes, and I'm happy with the surgery. But best of luck to you. HOOYA 256!!

[sparknote_s]

How old were you a year ago when you got the surgery?

[A62]

Sparky,

E-mail me at my addy on my profile. Give me your script form Jan 04 and your script from the other day. settle down, do not panic, there are always solutions to problems. Finding them is the key.

A62 out

[clearpawn]

How old were you a year ago when you got the surgery?


I was 20 when i got it done, and turned 21 8 days later, so let's just say 21...